Overlanding Tips.

Powerpoint presentation: Get in touch with nature.

Kasane, Botswana – I may not yet be as well-seasoned as our meals have been, but, having now overlanded with Africa Travel Co. on the Cape Town to Victoria Falls route, here are a few things I have learned about this trip that can help with your journey:

• Invest in a USB battery charger for your camera, and possibly a backup battery. You won't want to miss a thing. (Except some of the sand – that goes on a while.)
• Extension cords with multiple charging ports (including USB) can reduce strife and stress in camp. See above.
• Sense a theme related to power? Indeed. If you have devices to charge, consider bringing a travel-sized energy bank.
• Credit cards are, in fact, widely accepted. With pin numbers, even, which is more advanced than many places in the United States.
• Always choose the thicker sleeping mat.
• A Bluetooth speaker can inject life into camp.
• Don't hog the 'good' seats; move around the truck.
• Bring Band-Aids: setting-up tents and helping prepare meals can find ways to bite you. (Or, maybe I'm just a danger to myself.)
• Games, music, reading materials or something to occupy the time on some of the longer drives can come in handy and help make you some new friends.
• A great camp cook makes a world of difference. (Thank you, Peter!)
• Most camp sites are a lot less rugged than expected: solid infrastructure, nice washrooms – including showers with warm water – swimming pools and even wi-fi.
• It really can get cool to cold at night, particularly in the desert.
• Ask questions: there's so much to learn and you'll cross paths with some tremendously knowledgeable people.
• There are plenty of opportunities to buy food, snacks and beverages at large grocery stores along the way. Ice cream is always a hit.
• A few excursions require you to pay tips that weren't mentioned at booking, but aren't particularly expensive.
• If you're susceptible to dry skin or cracked heels, bring lotion. It's super dry for the most part, and you'll want to be in sandals much of the time.
• Lens cleaner and a small air blower are invaluable if you have a DSLR; this trip is dustier than a fraternity house.
• You may randomly see a herd of elephants at the side of the highway in the middle of nowhere: keep your eyes peeled.
• Hydrate.

As with everything else in life, you'll get out what you put into it. You're going to spend time in close quarters with all sorts of different people with varied backgrounds, values and work ethic. Roll with it. Energy and positivity can go a long way when you're several days into wake-up calls before the rooster crows.

Embrace the experience and the open road. Safari njema – pole pole.